2023: ‘I’ve no senatorial ambitions’ – Dariye

Recently-freed former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, has denied interest in returning to politics to contest the 2023 General Elections.

Dariye who was only last Monday released from prison on account of a Presidential pardon granted by the National Council of State, about four months ago, was reportedly offered the Plateau Central senatorial zone ticket by the Labour Party I the 2023 polls.

The ticket was confirmed by party sources who also claimed that the politician was in good rapport with the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the state.

However, speaking when the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong led a delegation to visit him and felicitate with them on their release from prison, Friday, Dariye debunked reports of his senatorial ambition, saying he had no intention to contest the position in 2023.

A statement issued on Friday by Lalong’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Macham Makut, after the visit read in part; “He(Dariye) narrated his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment. But God saw him through and made him survive.

“Dariye also debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate; describing it as unfounded and untrue as he has not bought form or done anything to that effect.

“He advised politicians in Plateau to unite and rally around the Governor in promoting the interest of the citizens; saying governance is an opportunity for those in charge to do their best and leave posterity to judge their efforts…No one can finish the business of Government in a day.”

According to the statement, Governor Lalong, who was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Mrs. Regina, National Assembly members from the state, and members of the State Executive Council, also visited the former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame’s residence.

Dariye and Nyame were both freed on Monday courtesy of the Presidential pardon.

“Lalong told Governor Dariye that the entire State received the news of his release with joy…They had been praying for him since his travails and incarceration happened.

“He said so much prayer and appeal was made towards the pardon granted to him…Thankfully, the President was magnanimous to accept to grant the pardon.

“The Governor, while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for giving Dariye another opportunity, said this is the time for Chief Dariye to reflect and forgive people that may have offended him, as has been his practice during previous challenges.

“He prayed to God to continue to give him sound health, even as he offers to advise to the State while making available his vast knowledge for the good of the people.”

It would be recalled that barely three days after his release from prison following pardon by the National Council of State, former Plateau Governor, Joshua Dariye was reported to have been presented with a senatorial ticket by the Labour Party (LP) to contest the 2023 General Elections in the state.

The senatorial ticket became vacant following the decision by the holder, to step down for Dariye ahead of the 2023 contest.

Dariye will be presented with the Plateau Central senatorial zone’s ticket on the Labour Party platform (LP).

Dariye and former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, were released from prison on Monday, three months after receiving pardons from the Council of State, which is overseen by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A Labour Party source who confirmed the development said: “Yes, it is true that he (Dariye) will be running for a Senate seat. We are making arrangements for him to come from Abuja for the senatorial declaration.”

According to the party official, the former Plateau State Governor ‘has the capacity to spring surprises at next year’s election because of the love many have for him in the North-Central State.’

He stated Dariye has also given a boost to the party’s governorship candidate, Patrick Dakum, who defected to the LP, after failing to secure the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dariye, who served as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, defected from the party.

He contested and won a senatorial seat in 2011 on the platform of the LP.

Dariye was serving a 10 year-jail term over a N1.126 billion fraud. However, following the pardon, he was released after just four years in prison.